Reflexology may be an age-old tradition, but our young children often love it. We use our fingers and thumbs to massage key spots on the feet that are thought to influence different parts of the body. A regular, gentle foot massage brings great benefit too.
Reflexology and Food Massage, the Benefits
- Helps relaxation and reduces anxiety.
- Improves focus.
- Can improve energy levels and so help learning.
- Helps desensitize our children who are touch sensitive, especially those who refuse to remove their shoes – or those who hate to wear shoes.
- Can help soothe a child with a headache or tummy ache.
Going barefoot gives reflexology and foot massage in one workout! We encourage it during summer, and especially when playing in the school gardens.
Simple Foot Massage
Gentle foot massage goes a long way to reducing anxiety and bringing comfort. It can help reduce tactile sensitivity of the feet.
Perhaps use lotion. This makes massage smoother and your child might enjoy the nice smell. Lavender aromas are a favourite at Mindstretch!
Try a foot massager. Your child might use it to get some input independently. You can buy tools online, or substitute an empty plastic bottle. Model the action for your child. Place a hand on a wall for support and then place your opposite foot on the bottle and roll it back and forth. Exert pressure. You can also try it seated. Or try massaging your child’s feet using a relevant tool. Use light to medium pressure at first – but avoid a tickling sensation.
Step by Step with Reflexology
This video gives a nice overview on how to perform reflexology for children:
Start Slowly:
- This may be a new sensation for your child, especially if they wear shoes most of the time. Begin with a light touch for a short time. Perhaps bare your own feet and manipulate them first to show it’s okay and enjoyable.
- Gradually increase the duration and pressure.
- Apply firm pressure on a point for approximately 5 seconds. Then release and massage the spot. Continue the cycle for several minutes, or less if that’s what the child wants.
Some Tips:
- Try using an oil or lotion, either scented or plain.
- Distract your child. Let them look at a book or play with a toy while they get used to the sensation.
- Reflexology’s relaxing, it’s best done before bed or nap time.
Common Reflexology Applications to Try
For the Anxious Child
If a child’s anxious try massaging the pressure point located at the intersection of the big toe and second toe – as shown in the image below. It lies in the hollow just above the bone.
We sometimes find a child complaining of headache or tummy ache is simply anxious. Try massaging this point if you suspect anxiety is causing the symptoms.
For a Headache
For a headache apply pressure to the top and underside of the big toe – shown by the open circle in the image below. If the child enjoys it, continue the massage for up to a minute.
You can also try massaging the pressure point indicated in the image below. It’s located on the outer side of the foot, at the midway point.
For Tummy Troubles
There are several abdomen-related pressure points on the feet. They occur across the underside of the arch the foot. Try massaging the area with your thumbs.
Back to Nature with Barefoot
Going barefoot naturally delivers reflexology and a foot massage, and there’s more …
- Better foot position when it strikes the ground.
- Improved balance and body position awareness.
- Improved foot mechanics, with better hip and knee positioning.
Try to encourage some ‘SHOELESS TIME’ at home over winter. Anti-slip gripper socks can help if you have slippery wood / tile floor surfaces.
Looking for other techniques for calming a child? Check out our Soothing Spinal Massage and our Calming Interventions.